Support for job seekers is available at the Mount Prospect Public Library. Research Services staff can help you access library resources and find information to support your career development.
Resources available from the library
Resumes and career support
Brainfuse JobNow – Job seekers can receive virtual, one-on-one support in preparing a resume, interview preparation, searching for jobs, filling out unemployment paperwork, and more. Live sessions with a qualified career coach are available from 1 – 10 p.m. CST.
Schedule a reference appointment – Research librarians can introduce you to career resources available from the library and provide guidance on resumes and cover letters.
Local job postings are located at the Jobs/Career Board in the Business Information Center, behind the east end of the Research desk on the second floor of the library. To share a recruitment flyer on the board, contact the Research Desk at reference@mppl.org.
Skills Building
Technology skills can give your resume a competitive edge.
Technology and Business programs – The library offers a wide range of technology and business-related classes including Computer Basics, Microsoft Office, iOS, Android, and other eclectic topics.
LinkedIn Learning – Learn software and business skills through video tutorials.
Gale Presents: Udemy – Offers 6,000 on-demand video tutorials covering technology (e.g., Office, Windows, and Mac OS, coding, etc.), business & management, job & career skills, and personal growth.
O’Reilly for Public Libraries – E-learning platform consisting of business and technology videos, eBooks, and learning paths.
DigitalLearn.org – Short, easy-to-follow technology courses for new computer users.
Company Research
Background information on a company or industry can be helpful in researching prospective employers or interview preparation.
Reference Solutions – Business database allows users to compile a list of companies within a target industry.
AtoZdatabases – Directory of 65 million business and executive profiles, over 240 million resident profiles, and more.
Industry Select – Research U.S. manufacturers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
More resources for job seekers
Local Organizations
- North Suburban Cook County American Job Center
- St. Hubert Job & Networking Ministry
- Holy Family Job Support
- Harper College Job Placement Resource Center
- Jewish Vocational Services
- Barrington Career Center
- CEDA Employment & Employer Services
Helpful Websites
CareerOneStop – Career information from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Includes information on available careers by industry, including the nature of the industry, working conditions, employment, occupations in the industry, earnings and benefits. Also available in print at the library.
O*NET – Career information from the U.S. Department of Labor
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) – File an unemployment claim or certify for benefits.
Illinois workNet – Resources and tools for job seekers, including virtual job fairs, and training.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – The leading source of guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
Jobscan – Free tool to scan a resume for keywords and ATS compatibility.
Purdue OWL – Information about applying for jobs and preparing job search letters for skilled labor.
Vault.com – Videos with detailed interview tips and resume and cover letter samples across industries and skill levels.
Workforce50 – Career resources for boomers and seniors.
Find Jobs Online
CareerBuilder – Job ads from across the county.
Dice.com – Source for tech jobs.
eFinancialCareers – Job and career information in the financial services industry.
Illinois JobLink – Job board managed by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Requires users to create a profile.
HigherEd Jobs – Faculty and administrative jobs in higher education.
Hcareers – Hotel and hospitality jobs.
Idealist – Jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities from non-profit organizations.
Indeed – Job search engine. Compiles jobs from multiple sites.
LinkedIn Jobs – Job listings from popular online networking site.
National Labor Exchange – Clearinghouse of job opportunities with companies actively recruiting diverse candidate including Veterans and candidates with disabilities.
NPO.net – Jobs in the nonprofit and social services sectors.
USAJOBS – Employment opportunities with the federal government.
